I've known Maureen since our kids were in kindergarten together. There are several reasons I've wanted to feature her for a while. She's a breast cancer survivor and I was so impressed with how she handled that with grace and calmness. I know I couldn't have. She's a nurse, which is a tough job in itself but more so in the last year. When Moderna was ready for clinical trials, Maureen stepped up to the plate to be one of the test cases. She took the jab long before any of us did, and she's been the person I've turned to most in regards to advice on anything Covid-19 related. Additionally, she's a volunteer extraordinaire and most recently served as the Alexandria PTAC president. You couldn't pay me to do that job!  Maureen is all around amazing human being and I thought you all should get to know her too!

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Maureen is styled by Kiskadee.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Beverley Hills

How long have you lived in Alexandria: Since 2004

What is your hometown? McLean, Virginia

What brought you to Alexandria? Walkability, the vibrancy of neighborhoods, and proximity to Washington, D.C.

What would surprise people about you? One of my jobs in my 20s involved taking aerial photos of farmland from a single-engine Cessna!

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Cure cancer!

Favorite cocktail: Taqueria Poblano Margarita on the rocks with salt.

Last book read or movie seen: Movie: Beautiful Boy; Book: Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Guilty Pleasure: Snacking on junk food!

Phrase you overuse: For the love of God…. (muttered under my breath)

Facebook or Instagram? Facebook

Latest binge-watch: Morning Show

Bucket list travel destination: Machu Picchu, Peru

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Low maintenance always

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Black cardigan

Favorite trend ever: Fleece jackets

Favorite current trend: Comfy pants

Beauty product you can’t live without: Eyeliner

Favorite fragrance: Doughnuts

Heels or flats? Do slippers count as flats?

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My living room.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Last item bought for your home: During Spring Break, we bought our first-ever original painting from a gallery in Savannah, Georgia. My husband and I felt like adults!

Next planned purchase: I’ve been eying one of those LoveSacs for our basement!

Favorite way to entertain: Wine and appetizers on the back patio.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well lived-in for sure with two dogs underfoot.

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: I’m not bold enough!

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out:  Orange Theory Fitness

Most fun way to exercise: Hiking with friends. It used to be running road races before I had arthritis in my knees.

Group exercise or solo:  Solo in a group!

Fitness goal: I’d like to be able to keep working out at OTF until I’m 60.

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Peloton

Proudest fitness achievement: I’ve run five marathons in my life - three after the age of 40!

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: I love strolling through the residential streets of Old Town, especially during October - December when houses are decorated for Halloween and Christmas.

Last purchase in Alexandria: Pumpkin chocolate chip bread from Great Harvest Bakery (that the dog stole and ate half of!)

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Stomping Ground / Front Porch / Majestic Café / I’d also add late night at #9 Lounge.

Favorite charity: ACT of Alexandria. They do so much great work for our community!

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Tied between the Turkey Trot & Scottish Parade.